USA > Georgia > A school history of Georgia. Georgia as a colony and a state, 1733-1893 > Part 2
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
Armenian Methodism. The hymns of Charles Wesley are sung everywhere in Christian churches, and will no doubt remain as the best standards of sacred songs. Reverend George Whitefield who succeeded John Wesley was a pulpit orator of extraordinary power. He labored diligently in mission work and in founding an orphanage in Savannah. Between 1738 and 1751 he crossed the ocean six times, in furtherance of his work. He preached 18,000 sermons, and his voice was so clear and musical that it could be distinctly heard by an audience of 25,000 people. His elocution and his gestures formed the model of orators and actors in his day. His separation from the Wesleys was because they differed in faith and creed. They were Armenians while he was a Calvinist.
2. In November, 1735, a town was laid out far up on the Savannah River and named by Oglethorpe, Augusta for one of the royal princesses. O'Bryan was the first settler. A large Indian trade between this town and Charleston at once began. . In 1736 Augusta was garrisoned, ware-houses were built, boats navigated the Savannah River, and at an early date not less than 600 persons were here engaged in commerce. A road was opened to Savannah, and Augusta became the most important. trading post in the Southern States. February 18, 1736, Oglethorpe went to St. Simons to establish a settlement and fort. Work was at once begun on the town which was named Frederica, in honor of Frederick, Prince of Wales. A strong fort was built for its defense. Near this town was the only home Oglethorpe ever owned in Georgia.
3. Leaving Frederica in the hands of the builders, Ogle- thorpe, accompanied by friends, Tomochichi and other Indian chiefs, proceeded to reconnoiter the Southern Frontier. They went in scout-boats to Jekyl and placed a fort on its southern extremity. The island south of this was, at the urgent request of one of the Indian chiefs, named Cumberland in honor of the
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PROGRESS OF THE COLONY.
Duke of Cumberland, who had presented the chief with a watch while in London. Here Oglethorpe marked out Fort Andrew, and left Colonel Mackay and his men to built it. Two more islands were visited and named Amelia and Talbot.
4. The colonists were in a state of constant alarm. Attacks from the Spaniards in Florida were daily expected. Oglethorpe established another fort on the southern end of St. Simons. This commanded the entrance to Jekyl Sound. Upon San Juan Island near the mouth of the St. John's River, Oglethorpe discovered the ruins of an old fort. He sent Captain Herms- dorf and a detachment of Highlanders to repair and occupy it. This island was included in the grant of Georgia, so they renamed it George and the fort St. George. Scout boats were constantly sent out as far as the mouth of St. John's River, and Indian runners watched the walls of St. Augustine to notify Oglethorpe of every movement of the enemy. The chiefs of the Cheehaws and Creeks offered aid. A large body of volunteers were promised from Carolina.
5. To conciliate the Spaniards, Charles Dempsey was sent to St. Augustine to arrange a meeting between the governors of Florida and Georgia, with a view of settling the boundary line between the two provinces. The Spanish officials in great splendor visited Oglethorpe at Frederica, and made many protestations of friendship. Shortly after this they demanded that the English evacuate all territory lying south of St. Helena Sound. Feeling that a stronger force was necessary for the protection of the colony, Oglethorpe sailed for England on the 29th of November, 1736, to consult with the trustees.
6. The trustees petitioned the crown for forces to protect the Georgia colony. The petition was granted. and Oglethorpe made colonel of the regiment and commander-in-chief of all his majesty's forces in Carolina and Georgia. So threatening was the attitude of the Spaniards, that a detachment of troops was ordered at once to Georgia. Reverend George Whitefield,
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
who had been appointed missionary in place of John Wesley, was a passenger on board the same vessel. Oglethorpe returned to Georgia in time to mourn with all the colonists the death of the great warrior Tomochichi.
7. Spain now threatened to exterminate the colony and war was declared by England November 5, 1739. This war and subsequent contentions came from disputes over boundary lines and what was called the right of discovery. A party of Spaniards attacked the fort on Amelia Island. Oglethorpe with a thousand Indians, a troop of horse and a Highland regiment drove them back into St. Augustine and burned their boats. The whole of St. John's River was soon in his possession. Garrisoning all the captured forts, he returned to Frederica. There he was reinforced by troops from Carolina and prepared for an attack upon St. Augustine.
8. Finding that boats could not approach the city, he advanced upon land and placing the city in siege, demanded a surrender from the Spanish governor. The mighty Don sent him for an answer, "I will be pleased to shake hands with you in my castle." At this defiant reply, Oglethorpe opened his battery and shelled the town. For twenty days this siege continued, when the Spaniards were reinforced from Havana. Oglethorpe was taken sick and the English returned to Frederica, having lost about fifty men.
QUESTIONS. - 1. When did Oglethorpe return? By whom accom- panied? Where were the emigrants sent? Tell something of John Wesley. What of Charles Wesley? Who succeeded John Wesley as missionary to Georgia? Tell of his successful work. 2. When was Augusta laid out ? Who was the first settler? What of the Indian trade and Augusta's growth ? What did Oglethorpe do February, 1736? What town was begun? When was Oglethorpe's home? 3. Where did Ogle- thorpe now go? Where was a fort placed and what three islands were visited and named? 4. Why were the colonists alarmed? Where did Oglethorpe establish other forts? What did he re-name San Juan ? What precautions were taken against the enemy's approach ? 5. What was done to conciliate the Spaniards? Who visited Oglethorpe? What
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SPANISH INVASION.
did they demand ? Why did Oglethorpe go to England? 6. What petition did the trustees grant? What was Oglethorpe made? Who came over with the troops? Who died? 7. What did Spain threaten? For what was war declared? When was the first attack made? How did Ogle- thorpe meet the Spaniards ? What was his success? 8. How did he approach St. Augustine? Tell of the siege.
CHAPTER VI.
SPANISH INVASION.
1. Quiet was restored for a while. The colony showed thrift, but much dissatisfaction was felt among the colonists. The land and climate seemed not suited for the culture of silk, vet the trustees insisted upon that industry and did not wish cotton cultivated, though it was the successful crop. Many complaints were made of the magistrates, and Oglethorpe was accused of partiality.
2. The trustees resolved to change the government. Colonel William Stephens, who was acting as secretary to the trustees, was appointed President of Savannah County. He had four assistants. General Oglethorpe was governor-in-chief of the whole colony, but spent most of his time in Frederica County, und no other officer was thought necessary there. Bailiffs were appointed to act under him. Savannah County was the territory lying north of Darien. Frederica County lay between Darien and the Altamaha River.
3. The Spaniards now gathered all of their forces and ¡repaired to completely subjugate Georgia. Their fleet con- sied of fifty-six vessels and 7.500 men. Oglethorpe sent to tirolina for troops, prepared his regiments for war, and called pron his Indian allies for aid to meet the threatened invasion. June 21, 1742. nine Spanish vessels attempted to enter Amelia Sound, but were driven back by the guns on Fort
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
Williams. They then came into Cumberland Sound, but Oglethorpe with six boats and a hundred men repulsed them. He then returned to Frederica for reinforcements.
4. On the 28th of June another Spanish fleet appeared on the bar. This fleet was under the command of Don Manuel De Monteano and presented a grand array, drawn up in battle line. July 5 after a short engagement, Oglethorpe was forced to abandon fort St. Simons, and ordered all of the troops to fall back to Frederica to defend that place. There were only 700 men in this command, but they were hourly expecting reinforcements from Carolina.
5. 4,300 of the enemy landed on St. Simons, and July 7 a party of them advanced to Frederica. When within two miles of the town Oglethorpe met them with Indians, Highlanders and rangers under his command. He completely routed the enemy and captured the commander of the party. Pushing on several miles, Oglethorpe stationed his men in ambush and returned himself to Frederica to hurry his marines to action. The men in ambush under the command of Sutherland and Mackay succeeded in surprising the approaching enemy, and killed some of their principal officers. Oglethorpe did not arrive until after the engagement, but he was so pleased that he promoted the two young men on the spot.
6. He determined to attack the Spaniards at night, though he had but few men. When he was within a short distance of the encampment one of his men deserted and went over to the enemy. Knowing that he would give information, Oglethorpe hastily devised a plan to thwart the treason. He wrote a letter to the man who had deserted and gave it to one of his Spanish prisoners to convey it into the Spanish lines and deliver it. The letter was written in French, seemingly from a friend of the deserter, saying he had received the money and should try to make the Spaniards believe that the English forces were few and weak, and that they expected no reinforcements. Of course this letter found its way to the Spanish headquarters.
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SPANISH INVASION.
Such was their fear of the English, that the Spaniards hastily embarked leaving much of their arms and ammunition.
7. "This ended the contest. It lasted one month and the Spaniards did not gain a single victory. Georgia and Carolina were freed from their southern enemy, and the war only continued abroad between England and Spain.
8. Oglethorpe continued to strengthen the frontier and look after the improvement of the colony until his departure to England. He left Georgia the 17th of July, 1743. Treacherous accusations had been made against him by one Lieutenant-Colonel Cook. Arriving at London he demanded that the charges made against him should be investigated. A board of general officers made the investigation and declared the whole charge to be groundless, false and malicious. Lieutenant Cook was dismissed from the service. Oglethorpe never returned to Georgia, though he took the deepest interest in the colony and was recognized as governor until the trustees surrendered the charter in 1752. Ten of the best years of his life and most of his fortune at that time was spent in behalf of Georgia.
QUESTIONS. - 1. What was the condition of the colony? What com- plaints were made? 2. What did the trustees decide to do ? What change was made? What is said of Oglethorpe? What other officers were Appointed? What two counties were made? 3. What did the Spaniards do? Of what did their fleet consist? What preparations for war did oglethorpe make? When and where was the first attack of the Span- iards? What was the result? 4. Tell of the next fleets. What was ' glethorpe forced to do? How many men were in his command ? 5. How many Spaniards landed? How were they met? What was Oglethorpe's text move? What is told of two young officers ? 6. What did Oglethorpe termine to do? Tell of the Deserter. 7. How long did this war last and who was successful ?. S. Tell of Oglethorpe's departure. What of Ak's accusations ? Did Oglethorpe return to Georgia ?
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
CHAPTER VII.
ADMINISTRATION OF STEPHENS.
I. After the departure of Oglethorpe, Colonel William Stephens became governor of both counties. During the early part of Stephens' administration, Major William Horton was in command of the troops in Georgia.
2. The colony did not prosper. A number of petitions had been sent to the trustees to sanction the introduction of slaves. It was declared that the white servants were not able to stand the malaria and fevers in the swamps. Their employers abandoned all hope of gain. The silk, wine, indigo and lumber trade nearly ceased. Many industrious families moved into South Carolina where there were negroes. Reverend George Whitefield who had tried the slave labor on a farm in Carolina, became convinced that Georgia could not thrive without negroes.
3. James Habersham, president of the Council of Georgia, wrote a letter to the trustees advising them to change their policy, and Thomas Stephens, a son of the governor was sent over to England to obtain a repeal of the law prohibiting slavery, but failed in the attempt. The trustees to quiet the people allowed rum to be brought into the colony. This satisfied them for a short time only, when the petitions and complaints were renewed. After fifteen years of this trouble, the trustees decided to consider the question, and requested the governor to find out upon what conditions Georgia was willing to accept slaves.
4. A meeting of the representatives was called. Major Horton, one of the best men of the colony, was made chairman. The resolutions of this meeting were laid before the trustees. The trustees in turn petitioned his majesty and October 26, 1749, negro slaves became lawful property in Georgia. A
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ADMINISTRATION OF STEPHENS.
penalty of ten pounds was to be paid by every master who allowed his negroes to work on Sunday, and a penalty of five pounds must be paid by the master if his slaves did not attend religious services at least once on that day. So Georgia after a struggle of fifteen years acquired the right that the other English colonies of America had long since had. The colony now began to prosper. The number of in- habitants increased rapidly. In 1750 Georgia had 1,500 people, and five ship-loads of produce were sent to England. In was in the year 1749 that the colony had great trouble with Thomas Bosomworth. He was a minister and had for several years been in charge of all religious affairs in Georgia.
6. In 1744 he married the widow Mary Musgrove. Up to this time Mary had been the friend of the colonists, and had lendered them many services in controlling the Indians for which she had been paid numerous sums of money. Under the influence of Bosomworth she now demanded for services rendered, absolute possession of Ossabaw, St. Catherine and Sapelo Islands, and a large tract of land near Savannah.
7. The Indians under her advice threatened a massacre of the whites. Mary took the title of independent Empress, and at the head of a large body of Indians set out for Savannah. Thomas Bosomworth in his canonical robes with the queen by his side and followed by many chiefs and warriors marched into the city July 20, 1749. All the men in Savannah were compelled to mount guard, and the women and children were greatly terrified at being left alone in their homes.
S. Bosomworth was at once arrested. Finding it utterly impossible to pacify the Indians while Mary was with them, she was finally locked up, and the Indians were persuaded to leave the town. Mary and her husband were kept in confinement for a month, when having begged for pardon they Were set at liberty.
9. Bosomworth pressed his wife's claim in London. After years of negotiations a salary of one hundred pounds per year
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
back-pay was allowed her as interpreter, and full title was given her to St. Catherine's Island. She and Bosomworth fixed their habitation there, and their graves may still be seen side by side on this island.
QUESTIONS. - I. Who was governor and who had command of the troops ? 2. What was the condition of the colony? What did Whitefield believe was needed ? 3. What did James Habersham do? Who was sent to England? How did the trustees try to quiet the people? After fifteen years of complaint what was done? 4. For what was a meeting called? What was the need of this meeting? When did slaves become lawful property in Georgia? On what conditions? What was the effect on the colony? What troubled the colonists now? 5. What is said of Bosomworth ? 6. What was Mary's demand? 7. What influence did Mary have over the Indians? What did Mary and Thomas Bosomworth do ? 8. How were they treated ? . 9. Did this end the trouble ? What was finally granted them ?
CHAPTER VIII.
TRUSTEES SURRENDER THE CHARTER.
I. The trustees now declared a representative Assembly necessary. January 15, 1751, this Assembly was held at Savannah. Francis Harris was made speaker. This Assembly had no power except through the trustees, so, feeling they were of little use, after a session of twenty-one days they dissolved.
2. Colonel William Stephens' good judgment and nobility of character justly fitted him for the control of the colony. Yet, conscious of his feebleness from old age, and being incapable of carrying on regularly the business of the colony, he resigned the presidency and retired on a pension. Henry Parker, the vice-president, was now made president, and James Habersham made secretary. In this same year, 1751. the restrictions on the land were removed and the lands were held in absolute title. This gave great satisfaction. The trustees now estab-
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TRUSTEES SURRENDER THE CHARTER.
lished a militia for Georgia. Captain Noble Jones was appointed to the command.
3. In 1752 a number of Puritans from Dorchester, S. C., received a grant for 31,950 acres of land called Midway, on the Ogeechee River. In 1630 their ancestors had sailed from England for the New England States. There they had suffered much, and South Carolina offered them a home. After fifty years in that state they moved to Georgia, into that region now called Liberty County. They settled and named Sunbury in St. John's parish. From these Puritans many of the noblest men in Georgia are descended. Two of the trustees, John Stephens and John Elliott, were members of the Midway congregation. The log church they built on Midway Neck was the first Congregational church in Georgia.
4. Emigration from South Carolina continued for years. Many rich people came over with their families and negroes. It was estimated that nearly one thousand negroes came into the state in one year. A few Quaker families now moved to Georgia and settled a few miles above Augusta. They hoped to be able to live on friendly terms with the neighboring tribes of Indians, but soon after settling they were alarmed by hearing that the Indians were preparing for a raid upon them. The Quakers at once fled the state, leaving only their name to what is known to this day as Quaker Springs.
5. In 1753 the population of Georgia was 2381 whites and 1006 blacks. Twenty-one years had now passed and the trustees decided to surrender the charter of Georgia. They felt that the colony had grown beyond their management. A committee was appointed to arrange matters, and April 29, 1752, the trustees held their last meeting. Every claim was settled and Georgia passed under the direct control of Great Britain.
6. Too much cannot be said of the trustees of Georgia. For twenty-one years they labored for the improvement of the state with no expectation or desire for remuneration. They were seventy-two in number. Many of them men with title and
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
high rank, eminent divines, noted lawyers and members of Parliament. When they resigned their trust there were only six of the original number living.
7. President Parker was succeeded by Patrick Graham as president. Georgia now had a season of great unrest and trouble. The trustees had supported the colony with donations from England, and now that this support was withdrawn Georgia was left in a state of utter poverty, with no proper form of government, in constant peril from attacks of the Indians and utterly neglected by the royal government. After two years this state of affairs was finally recognized in England. Georgia was placed under special charge of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, and they were ordered to draw up a plan of government for the colony. March 5, 1754, it was decided that Georgia have the same government as the other American colonies.
QUESTIONS. - I. What was declared necessary? Where and when was this assembly held? What was the result? 2. What is said of Stephens? Who were president and secretary? What change was made in 1751? What did the trustees establish? In what year did the Puritans come over? Tell something of this people. 4. What is said of the emi- gration from South Carolina? Tell of these Quakers. 5. What was Georgia's population in 1753? What was the decision of the trustees? When was their last meeting? 6. What is said of these trustees? 7. Who succeeded Parker ? What was the condition of the colony? Did England realize the state of affairs? What provision was made for Georgia ?
CHAPTER IX.
ADMINISTRATION OF REYNOLDS.
1. Captain Reynolds of the royal navy of England was made president. His title was Captain-General and Governor-in- Chief of His Majesty's Province of Georgia and Vice-Admiral
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ADMINISTRATION OF REYNOLDS.
of the same. A Court of Record was established as the general court. The presiding judge was called Chief Justice of Georgia. The General Assembly was to continue in session during Reynolds' administration.
2. Governor Reynolds arrived in Georgia October 29, 1754, and at once took the oath of office. James Habersham was appointed secretary. The governor and the Upper and Commons House of the Assembly formed the government of Georgia. Patrick Graham was made president of the Upper House and David Douglas of Augusta was speaker of the Commons House. Courts of Record were created in 1755 and two judges, Noble Jones and Jonathan Bryan, were appointed to office. This court was to hold quarterly terms at Savannah. Soon after a Court of Chancery was established.
3. Governor Reynolds addressed the first Legislature of Georgia at Savannah, January 7, 1755. He was well received and was promised a hearty support by both houses. The most important act passed by this Assembly was one for stamping credit bills to the amount of three thousand pounds, making this legal tender in the colony.
4. Governor Reynolds proceeded at once to look after the defence of the colony. Frederica he found almost in ruins, with no protection. Savannah and Augusta had old forts, few guns and raw recruits. There were few men in the colony capable of bearing arms and the Indians constantly threatened attacks. Hoping to conciliate the Indians, Governor Reynolds appointed a meeting with them at Augusta. While waiting for the Indians there he was summoned at once to Savannah on an important matter. Leaving a goodly supply of presents and his speech to be delivered by Mr. Little, he at once returned to Savannah. Mr. Little delivered the presents to three hundred chiefs and warriors, was well received, and the tribes renewed their pledges of friendship.
5. Governor Reynolds upon his return to Savannah found two ship-loads of French papists. Governor Lawrence of Nova
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
Scotia had sent them to Georgia, feeling sure that they would be well received and cared for. Governor Reynolds was sorely perplexed, for the papist religion was prohibited in Georgia. Humanity, however, compelled him to receive them, for the weather was too severe to admit of their return to Nova Scotia.
6. These Acadians had a most unhappy lot. They were of French descent and mostly shepherds. Upon the cession of Acadie (Nova Scotia) to the British crown they found them- selves forced to swear allegiance to England or quit their homes. They chose the former, and, for a little while, were allowed to remain in peace. Finally, however, their cattle and flocks were declared to be forfeited to the crown and they were ordered from the provinces.
7. That they might have no hope of longer remaining, their houses and barns were burned, and they were forced to depart at the point of the bayonet. Their English masters crowded them into ships and scattered them along the coast from Massachusetts to Georgia. Georgia had four hundred of thein and provided for them at the public expense. In a short time, though, nearly all of them disappeared, some of them to Carolina, some to France, while others returned to Nova Scotia.
8. Governor Reynolds now inspected the southern coast. As he did not consider Frederica or Savannah proper towns for the capital, he chose a small settlement on a high bluff on the Ogeechee River, fourteen miles from the mouth. He named this Hardwick, with a view to making it the capital.
9. The Assembly had a disagreement with Governor Reynolds. He applied to the colony the same rules he had used upon his man-of-war in the navy. This did not suit, and the people rebelled. Evidently the colony was not flourishing under him. Complaints that came from all parts of the colony were too urgent to pass unheeded. The Lords of Trade and Plantations communicated with His Majesty and received an order recalling Reynolds to answer the charges made against him. Henry Ellis was appointed lieutenant-governor of Georgia
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